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Most children receive an allowance from their parents—and to earn it, they’re spending an average of six hours each week doing chores, according to a recently released survey by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). The going rate? $4.43 an hour, on average.

“Providing children with a regular allowance gives parents a perfect opportunity to have a discussion about the basics of saving, spending and budgeting,” says Gregory Anton, chair of the AICPA’s National CPA Financial Literacy Commission. “Parents should talk to their children about financial responsibility and the value of money on a regular basis—this should not be a one-time conversation. Instilling basic financial literacy in children when they are young will better prepare them for the financial decisions they make as young adults and serve them throughout their lives.

“One of the ways that parents can use allowance as a teaching tool is to encourage their children to save 10 percent on a weekly basis and match the savings if they do,” Anton adds. “This simple, effective tool will better prepare them to contribute to a 401(k) account and take advantage of any matching offered by their employer.”

Anton and the AICPA also advise opening an interest-bearing savings account for your child (or if he or she is older, an IRA), and allowing your child to independently set long-term savings goals.

Next to a newly-updated kitchen, a renovated bathroom is a top priority for today’s homebuyers—and homeowners.

Get in on these seven sought-after features:

Beadboard or Deep Tile – A deep tile or beadboard backsplash, sometimes known as “bathroom wainscot,” lends a sense of elegance to any style bath. These practical backsplashes are easy-to-clean, too!

Double Sinks – If you’ve ever had to jockey for position, you know how useful double sinks can be—especially in the master bath.

Extras – Go for gadgetry like built-in audio systems or shower seating, or heated floors and towel bars. Kohler’s DTV shower, which relays water pressure and temperature controls on an LCD screen, is a favorite.

Oversized – When it comes to bathing, bigger seems to be better. Large walk-in showers, oversized bathtubs and rain shower heads are some of the most popular features.

No-Fuss Toilet –Classic toilet models are much more often preferred to today’s high-tech alternatives—but steer clear of European models!

White – A white (or neutral) color palette reads “clean,” which is essential in bathrooms. White or neutral walls, tile and cabinetry are also an ideal backdrop for other, personalized items, like accents and linens.

In life and in real estate, first impressions matter. Before placing your home on the market, it’s worth taking a look at the paint on the outside, which may have been impacted by elements from the past winter.

“If you’ve been huddled inside for the past few months, you may not be aware of the price your exterior paint has paid keeping winter weather at bay,” says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the paint Quality Institute. “Freeze-thaw cycles, rain, sleet and snow can cause paint to fail quickly, especially if you didn't use top-quality paint to begin with.”

Zimmer suggests starting by inspecting for flaking or peeling paint on the exterior siding and trim. If the compromised paint is confined to a small area, a touch-up may be all that’s needed.

Begin any touch-up project by scraping off loose paint, then sanding the edges smooth, Zimmer explains. Next, prime any areas where bare wood is visible, and then apply a coat of leftover paint.

If the paint damage is beyond touch-up repair, Zimmer advises re-painting the home sooner rather than later.

“Assuming that you're a do-it-yourself painter, you'll find it much more comfortable to do your surface preparation and painting now, when the weather is mild,” Zimmer says. “Your paint may even last longer if you act quickly. Exterior paints tend to 'cure' better in moderate temperatures, which enables them to form an especially durable paint film.”

It’s doubly important to act fast if you plan to hire a painter, Zimmer adds. Professionals tend to book up this time of year.

No matter which route you choose, don’t skimp on the product—it will make all the difference.

“A top-quality 100-percent acrylic latex paint will provide the best-looking and longest-lasting results, no matter where it is used,” Zimmer says.

Healthy, mature trees can be a benefit to your home and property. Aside from their beauty, trees offer shade, helping to naturally regulate your home’s indoor temperature, and may even absorb harmful gasses.

Caring for the trees on your property, according to the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), is best left to a professional. Because many home-related scams involve tree care companies, the Association recommends vetting out potential hires.

Knowledge is key. An arborist is defined by the Association as “a professional who cares for trees and other woody plants by pruning, fertilizing, monitoring for insects and diseases, and consulting on tree-related issues, and occasionally planting, transplanting and removing trees.”

“With hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars at stake—not to mention the integrity and appearance of your property and your personal safety—make sure that you take your time in deciding which company you should hire,” cautions Peter Gerstenberger, senior advisor for Safety, Standards & Compliance for the TCIA.

Gerstenberger advises first seeking out up-to-date proof of insurance from potential hires. If the company does not have insurance, you may be held responsible for any future claims.

“Disreputable companies are renowned for ripping gutters off, breaking fences and bird baths, and even dropping trees on houses. Then they typically fold up and leave, never to be seen again,” Gertsenberger says.

Always, always get estimates in writing, as well as a second (or third) opinion and quote. Do not feel pressured by bogus “bargains” or pay-upfront schemes.

During the screening process, request local references. Don’t hesitate to assess workmanship, and verify any professional affiliations the company claims to have. This may include the TCIA, Gertsenberger adds.

Bear in mind reputable tree care companies generally follow ANSI Standards. Confirm this information with potential hires before signing a contract. When you settle on a company, be sure the contract includes dates, cost and detailed descriptions of the work to be performed.

If you believe you’ve been victimized in a tree care scam, report the incident to your state’s Attorney General’s office, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the FBI, says Gertsenberger.

Homeowners incur several expenses each month. By taking a few low- or no-cost precautions, security doesn’t have to be one of them:

• When preparing to travel, don’t be too obvious with luggage. Load the car inside the garage, if possible, or load up quickly, at the very least. If you have a second car, leave it parked in the driveway.

• Don't announce your absence on social media.

• Keep window coverings in their normal, semi-open positions—just be sure nothing valuable is visible through the windows.

• Hide your valuables in a small, fireproof safe securely attached to the floor, the wall or another structure that can’t be carried out of the house.

• Put lights, and even television sets, on timers, and place your mail and newspapers on hold, or ask the neighbors to pick them up.

• Consider replacing any short screws that typically come with lock hardware with longer ones that will extend past the door jambs into the frame of the house.

• Don't leave ladders or tools outside—criminals could "borrow" them to gain access to the home.

• Let your neighbors know you'll be gone, and for how long, or hire a house sitter. If your neighbor will be watching the home, ask him or her to walk around your property each day.

Beyond these measures, some law enforcement officials also recommend purchasing inexpensive security decals or signage, or even a fake security camera, to ward off burglars. Even a “Beware of Dog” sign can be a deterrent!

Mortgage rates remain around year-to-date lows, giving homebuyers and refinancers time to act ahead of a potential interest rate hike next month.

According to Freddie Mac’s recently released Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is up slightly, averaging 3.58 percent with an average 0.6 point. The 15-year FRM is holding steady at an average 2.81 percent with an average 0.5 point.

“The 10-year Treasury yield saw minimal movement over the past week, despite encouraging news from April's consumer spending and CPI data,” says Sean Becketti, chief economist of Freddie Mac. “Accordingly, the 30-year mortgage rate moved up just 1 basis point from its 2016 low to 3.58 percent. Although there was minimal change in rates this week, the hawkish tone of Wednesday's Fed minutes release had an immediate impact on Treasury yields, and could possibly shake up next week's survey results.”

The survey also revealed a somewhat-higher 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), averaging 2.80 percent with an average 0.5 point.

Summer weather’s around the corner, and like millions of Americans, you may be focused on shedding a few pounds for the season.

Kickstart your slimdown with these eight foods, compiled by EatingWell.com, which contain few calories and lots of tummy-filling fiber.

Almonds – A two-ounce serving of almonds is a satisfying snack—and the more times you chew them, the more satisfied you’ll be. Chewing releases more healthy fat, which triggers hormones that curb hunger.

Apples – A medium apple is four grams of fiber for a mere 95 calories. Munch on slices as you work.

Chili Peppers – Consuming a little hot pepper (in tomato juice or in capsules) 30 minutes before a meal can help you feel less hungry, and eat about 10 percent less.

Eggs – Dieters who eat eggs get fewer calories and more satisfaction than those who eat a bagel for breakfast. Try them for lunch or snacks, too, in salads or simply shelled and eaten out of hand.

Mushrooms – These low-calorie filling veggies can be as satisfying as meat, recent studies report. Use them in omelets, salads, sauces and soups in place of bacon, ham or sausage.

Oatmeal – Eating a breakfast made with "slow-release" carbohydrates, such as oatmeal or bran cereal, three hours before you exercise may help you burn more fat, recent studies suggest.

Small Desserts – Sugar-filled desserts are hardly diet aids, but studies show that banning sugar from your diet altogether often results in binge eating. Reward yourself now and then with a sweet of 100 calories or less.

Soups – Recent studies show that people who start a meal with vegetable soup eat 20 percent less calories overall.

These slimdown secrets can be applied to virtually any meal. Be creative! Who knows? You may stumble upon a recipe that becomes a new favorite.

Certain areas of the U.S. contain soil replete with calcium and magnesium—two contributors to hard water, or water with a high mineral content, at home. Though hard water poses no health risks, it can damage a home’s plumbing system if not addressed.

“Homeowners and renters who do not have a home water softener or water purification system are probably very familiar with the tough, white residue left over by hard water,” says Josh Kelly of Parker & Sons, an Ariz.-based home services company. “The severity of hard water is measured in grains-per-gallon, or, as we call it in the industry, GPG.”

Severe mineral build-up can accelerate the deterioration of pipes. It can also restrict water flow, creating pressure within the home’s plumbing system.

“There are many different options when it comes to dealing with hard water,” Kelly says. “We suggest doing researching and picking out the method that is best for your home.”

One option is an ion exchange water softener, which removes calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ions. The result is softened water with higher sodium content. It is important to note, cautions Kelly, that individuals on a doctor-prescribed low-sodium diet should ask their physician before using.

It is also wise to leave the installation to a professional, Kelly says.

“It is always a good idea to consult with a professional, especially when it comes time to install your water softening system.

“Quality of life will improve almost immediately,” Kelly adds. “Say goodbye to unsightly white deposits on your dishes and glassware, and say hello to clean, soft, delicious-tasting water.”

(BPT)—A deck isn’t just a bonus for homeowners—it’s sought after by homebuyers, too. In fact, at resale, a wood deck addition can recoup up to 75 percent of its cost, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report.

To start, inspect your deck each year. Go underneath to make sure beams, boards, connectors, fasteners, joists, posts and railings are all stable, says David Finkenbinder, branch engineer with Simpson Strong-Tie, a structural connecting system manufacturer.

“The ledger connection is where the deck connects to the house,” Finkenbinder explains. “It is one of the most common failure points on a poorly built deck. It's very important to use structural screws, rather than nails, to secure your deck ledger board to your home.”

Like a house, a deck should support the weight it will need to carry. The deck should be load-tested, with structural connectors and fasteners spanning from the house to the posts in the ground.

Metal connectors, nails and screws can corrode over time due to the elements, weakening the deck’s structure. Connectors with a zinc-galvanized coating and hot-dip-galvanized fasteners resist this corrosion. If you live along the coast or near a body of water, consider using stainless steel connectors and fasteners.

A licensed contractor or your local building authority can assess your deck to ensure it is up to code. You may also want to review the “DCA 6: - Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guide,” a publication by the American Wood Council, at www.awc.org/codes-standards/publications/dca6.

Beyond those measures, the Softwood Lumber Board advises regular maintenance, and a cleaning and/or staining or sealing once a year.

If you have more questions regarding the structure or safety of your deck, consult a professional. He ors he can thoroughly inspect the structure, as well as recommend repairs and estimate costs, if needed.

Our ever-hectic lives underscore the need for relaxation spaces at home—especially in the bedroom. In fact, that bedroom “zen” we’re all after trumps the need for sleep for nearly half of Americans surveyed in a recent report.

Many of us have tried to create a more restful space in our bedrooms (60 percent, according to the survey), but often, professional and personal demands foil those plans. Those surveyed seek “calmness” and “comfort” above features like “better functionality,” “excitement” and “organization.”

Achieving that coveted calm doesn’t have to be an exercise in futility, says Elizabeth Mayhew, author, decorator and partner of The Saatva Company, which conducted the survey. She advises these tips:

• Select a harmonious color palette. Natural colors in cool, soft tones, such as gray, white or shades of beige or blue, have the power to induce a sense of calm.

• Look for fundamental furniture with clean, simple lines and no excess ornamentation.

• Avoid strong direct light from the ceiling, which can inhibit relaxation, and combine soothing ambient light with the room’s natural light.